Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting means to take a wait-and-see
approach.

Watchful waiting is not appropriate if you have rapid
vision loss or sudden changes in your vision. If you have any rapid vision
changes, go to your doctor as soon as possible. Immediate treatment may be able
to slow vision loss caused by wet AMD. Delaying treatment for wet AMD could
mean further loss of central vision.

If you have dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD),
watchful waiting is appropriate. You may
never develop vision loss to the point that it disrupts your regular
lifestyle.

Who to see

AMD can usually be
detected during a routine eye exam by your regular doctor or an eye care
professional (optometrist or
ophthalmologist).

An ophthalmologist who
specializes in problems with the retina and macula can diagnose which type of
AMD you have. Also, laser surgery and medicine injections for wet AMD are done
by an ophthalmologist.

In this article

This information is produced and provided by the National
Cancer
Institute (NCI). The information in this topic may have changed since it was written. For the most current information, contact the National
Cancer
Institute via the Internet web site at http://
cancer
.gov or call 1-800-4-CANCER.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated:
November 12, 2012

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.